i agree with all of the above statments
i would also like to add that even though i really still enjoy my job after 20 years .i find the industry has changed a lot, in the way we work,the terms and conditions ,the perks,and not to forget the pay.
as a contractor my rates have not seen an increase since 2001 and jobs in this sector are getting harder to find,most companies ae downsizing there operations with lots of very highly skilled and qualified people on the job market this makes it a lot harder for new entries to get there foot on the first rung of the ladder.
things will improve and have to improve as air transport is still a growing market,but as far as aircraft maintenance goes it looks like its still cheaper to fly aircrafts half way around the world to do C and D checks then to do it inhouse.again its all down to cost.
with hourly rates in places like estonia and CSA a third of what we get paid. it does make economic sense to airlines to go to the cheapest bidder .
home grown talent or skills do not count for much in these financial cut throat times.
if i were you i would keep your options open as to a career and look into other forms of engineering if that is your goal as the future of our industry in the UK does not look too bright.
good luck to you